It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Dreamed of strolling through the Shire, standing outside of Bag End, or having a pint at the Green Dragon Inn? Hobbiton is a dream come true for fans of The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings.
In the heart of Matamata on New Zealand's North Island, this movie set brings Middle-earth to life, just as it appeared in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
This isn't just a film set, though. It's a fully immersive experience that invites guests to walk through rolling hills, blooming gardens, and the hobbit holes that were on screen in the movies. Whether you're a fan of the movies, the fantasy genre, or a photographer, this attraction is one of New Zealand's most unique tours.
Why Visit Hobbiton in New Zealand? A Must-See for Movie Lovers
Hobbiton isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a pilgrimage site for fans of the books or the movies. It was originally constructed as a temporary film set for Peter Jackson's epic trilogies but was rebuilt in 2011 as a permanent location.
It's home to 33 hobbit holes, gardens, pathways, and working farm elements, which make it feel like you're in Middle-earth.
Hobbiton is a step above other movie tours because the attention to detail is astounding (and photographable). From handcrafted fences to real vegetable gardens, there's smoke drifting lazily from chimneys, and every corner of the Shire feels alive.
Even if you're not a massive fan of the films, Hobbiton's landscape, nestled in New Zealand's Waikato region, is breathtaking.
Here, you can explore a real-life movie set, a fully functioning outdoor museum, and one of New Zealand's most beautiful regions, and take photos.
Of course, if this all seems too peaceful, Milford Sound offers much more dramatic scenery for photographs.
Whether you’re quoting Gandalf or just chasing those rolling green hills, Hobbiton offers a magical experience for all.
Step Into Middle-earth: What to Expect at the Hobbiton Movie Set
The second you step into Hobbiton, you'll feel like you're in Middle-earth. Tours start with a short bus ride through the Alexander family farm, which offers excellent views of the Waikato countryside.
Then, as you see the famous Party Tree and a hobbit hole peeking over a garden hedge, you'll know you've arrived.
The guided tour takes around 2 hours and follows the winding path through the 12-acre film set.
Here, you'll explore:
- The Mill and bridge, featured in iconic scenes
- Dozens of colourful hobbit hole facades, including Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo
- The Green Dragon Inn, where your tour ends with a complimentary ale, cider, or ginger beer
- The Party Field, with its famous tree and sweeping lawn
- Intricately designed props like washing lines, carts, beehives, and signs—all perfect for candid shots
Your guide will share behind-the-scenes stories about filming with Peter Jackson, how the set was built, and some details you may have missed in the movies.
This is a deeply immersive experience for movie buffs, fantasy fans, or someone looking for photographs of clever design and lush scenery.
The tour moves at a relaxed pace, so there’s plenty of time to get your shots. Pack a camera with a quick shutter to capture natural moments without lag.
How to Get to Hobbiton: Travel Tips from Auckland or Rotorua
Hobbiton is in Matamata, a small farming town in the Waikato region in New Zealand's North Island.
This is an easily accessible location, and Auckland and Rotorua are good starting points for day trips.
From Auckland (Approx. 2–2.5 hours)
- Self-drive: The most flexible option. Take State Highway 1 south, then follow signs to Matamata. Roads are scenic and well-maintained.
- Tours: Many companies offer round-trip guided tours from Auckland, including transport and Hobbiton entry.
- Public transport: A combination of bus and shuttle options exists, but travel time can be longer and less convenient.
From Rotorua (Approx. 1 hour)
- Self-drive: A quick and scenic journey through rural countryside.
- Tour packages: Rotorua-based tours often bundle Hobbiton with visits to Waitomo Caves or local geothermal parks.
- Shuttle services: Great for solo travellers without a rental car.
No matter where you are, booking your tour in advance is always recommended. Hobbiton is a popular destination during peak travel months (December-March). Although there are multiple tours daily, time slots fill up quickly.
Need-to-Know Before You Go
Take a Guided Tour Through the Shire’s Most Iconic Spots
Every visitor to Hobbiton experiences the attraction through a guided walking tour, which is the only way to explore the set. However, like much of New Zealand's most photographic locations, you'll have lots of opportunities to take a few snaps.
The tours are carefully paced, highly informative, and brimming with cinematic moments you can capture on film (or memory card).
Your guide will take you around the 12-acre film set, pointing out the key locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Some of the highlights include:
- Bag End, perched high on the hill with its iconic green door and “No Admittance” sign
- The Party Field, where Bilbo’s eleventy-first birthday was held
- The Mill and arched stone bridge perfect for reflection shots
- Charming hobbit holes, each uniquely detailed with props like fishing gear, mailboxes, and flower pots
- The Green Dragon Inn, where every tour ends with a specially brewed ale, cider, or non-alcoholic ginger beer
You'll get a peek behind the scenes with stories like how Peter Jackson picked the location, why shots were filmed in a certain way and fun production quirks.
You'll leave with a deeper appreciation of the films and the sheer effort it took to make a working hobbit village!
There are also evening banquet tours, which end with a candlelit feast inside the Green Dragon and nighttime views of the Shire under lantern light. An unforgettable photography opportunity.
Capture the Magic: Photography Tips for Hobbiton’s Film Set
What if you're a photographer looking to get the best photos of your visit? Hobbiton is an excellent location for photographers. After all, it was made to be captured on film, so whether you're taking snaps on a smartphone or a DSLR, you'll have plenty of opportunities for cinematic shots and creative compositions.
If you're looking for something like Mount Doom than the Shire, include a trip to Aoraki on the South Island on your itinerary.
Here are some of our tips for getting good photos of the Shire:
Time it Right
Morning Light
- Soft, diffused light on hobbit holes
- Fewer crowds
- Better for garden and detail shots
Late Afternoon Light
- Warm, golden glow across the fields
- More dramatic shadows and highlights
- Ideal for wide landscape compositions
Composition Ideas
- Frame shots through archways, fences, and windows for a storytelling perspective.
- Use wide-angle lenses to take in the full scope of Bagshot Row or the Party Tree.
- Focus on small details: mailboxes, tiny ladders, hand-painted signs, or even the smoke drifting from chimneys.
Photography Do’s and Don’ts
- Do bring a camera with good low-light capability if you're attending the evening tour.
- Do ask your guide to take your photo in front of Bag End—they're usually pros at it.
- Don’t bring tripods unless you've secured special permission.
- Don’t use flash inside the Green Dragon or near animals on the farm.
Recommended Gear for Hobbiton Photography
- DSLR or mirrorless with wide-angle and 50mm lenses
- Polarising filter for bright daylight
- Lightweight backpack. No large camera bags allowed
Dining Like a Hobbit: Enjoy Lunch or a Banquet at the Green Dragon Inn
You can't head to Hobbiton without stepping inside the cozy and dimly lit Green Dragon Inn. This is a fully functional tavern complete with crackling fire, wooden beams, and shelves filled with flagons.
At the end of every tour, there's a complimentary drink brewed exclusively in Hobbiton.
- Southfarthing Ale
- Apple Cider
- Non-alcoholic Ginger Beer
- Traditional English-style stout (Banquet tour only)
Hobbit-Style Meals
There are two ways to dine like a hobbit:
- The Daytime Lunch Tour: Includes a hearty buffet served at the Party Marquee, right next to the Green Dragon. Think roast meats, fresh breads, cheeses, and seasonal veggies.
- The Evening Banquet Tour: This is the real showstopper. A two-course feast lit by candlelight, featuring slow-cooked lamb, gravy-laced potatoes, seasonal sides, and traditional desserts, followed by a lantern-lit stroll through the glowing Shire.
It's more than a meal. It's a fully immersive experience that feels like stepping into Tolkien's pages.
This is a prime time for lifestyle photography—flagons clinking, candles flickering, and friends laughing under fairy lights. Just keep it subtle: no flash or bulky gear during meals.
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